I have been studying the book of Acts lately, and I have been struck by the emphasis on the growth of the early church and how it labored together resulting in a flourishing movement of Christ throughout Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria. How was this taking place? How were they living out the gospel in their lives?
Acts 2:41-46
“So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…[they] had all things in common…sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by dad continuing with one mind in the temple, breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart.”
Five things that I highlighted above stood out to me that I was mediating upon this passage. How can we walk in the example of the early Christians?
1. Devoting ourselves to the apostles’ teaching
The early Christians listened diligently and heeded the teaching of the Scriptures. They were eager to grow in their understanding of the truth. They applied their hearts to it, seeking to apply its truth into their own lives. They did not limit the hearing of the Word to one day a week, but the church was flourishing because they daily were dwelling in the Word and hearing it. How can we apply this today within our own homes as wives and mothers?
- Daily devotions
The feeding and nourishing of our souls is of first importance as we plan each day. Being a wife and mother can be a weighty and challenging task. Skipping out on your devotions because of your lengthy list of “to-do’s” for the day is not the answer. Sitting with Mary at the feet of Jesus is the key to be renewed in our minds and be strengthened to fulfill the duties of the day. Martha was distracted and busy with other things, although they were important, they can come after sitting at Jesus’ feet. Whether it be for 5 minutes or 30 minutes…the fact that you take that purposeful time to spend in the Word, the smoother and more effective you will be throughout your day. Fill up your tank daily!
Resource: I have found this Bible reading plan an excellent resource for just encouraging you to read for 5 minutes, 1 chapter a day and get through the whole New Testament in a year. Check it out here. This does not of course have to limit you…but if you are lacking in this discipline, it might help give you a little plan to get started.
-Listen to sermons
I have found it so beneficial to listen to a sermon a day while I do my kitchen cleanup, dinner preparations, housecleaning, etc. Now it doesn’t always fit in so easily, but that is my goal. I have subscribed to a few different sermon podcasts through i-tunes, such as sermons from Covenant Life Church, Desiring God, Mars Hill Church. Each week they come out with a new sermon that uploads to my podcast section. I can either download these to my i-pod (which is currently under the weather ;( ) , or I just listen from my computer. I love it! It is so edifying to my soul. It’s like I am daily filling myself with the apostles’ teaching, just in a more contemporary manner. 
Points 2-5 to come…
Good Morning!
I have stumbled across your blog and really enjoy it. I tried to click on the link resource for the Bible reading plan and it says not found. Do you happen to know what site that was on. I would like to start a morning devotion time for myself and need some direction. Thank you.
Great! Try this link: Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan. I love this Bible reading plan and it really helps get you through the Bible in a year in a simple format.